Rangers full-back James Tavernier is being eyed by Arsenal and Manchester United for a transfer in this window after an extraordinary season.
According to 90min, Rangers captain and right-back James Tavernier is attracting interest from Premier League sides, including Arsenal and Manchester United, with a possible transfer on the cards. Both the Premier League giants are in the market for a right-back, with Tavernier the latest name to be included in a long list of targets.
Tavernier had an extraordinary season with Rangers. In addition to captaining the Gers to a first title win in ten years, the right-back also boasted brilliant personal stats during the season. The 29-year-old scored 19 goals in all competitions and provided 16 assists for his teammates. He has made over 300 appearances for the Scottish champions since joining in 2015.
Manchester United have been searching for a quality right-back. Ole Gunnar Solksjaer remains convinced of Aaron Wan-Bissaka but wants to add another top name as competition. Wan-Bissaka’s position was seemingly unchallenged last season with no quality alternatives apart from young Brandon Williams.
The Red Devils were seemingly keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier, to whom they had been linked during his days as a Tottenham player. After he played a key role in Atletico’s title triumph last season, the La Liga side will command a high transfer fee for the England international.
Manchester United might, thus, be considering Tavernier as an alternative to Trippier as they consider both players are of a similar mould. However, considering Wan-Bissaka’s position in the team is strong, there’s a small chance of Tavernier moving to United for a backup role. In that scenario, he could remain at Rangers.
As for Arsenal, they are in a tricky situation with their right-back position. Hector Bellerin is expected to leave the club, and Mikel Arteta is searching for a replacement. The Arsenal boss does not trust Cedric Soares so much, while Calum Chambers, with a year left on his deal, is only considered a backup.
Tavernier will represent a good option, although his age profile might not be what the Gunners are looking at. However, at 29 years old, the Englishman could provide many more years at the top level. Arsenal could consider him as a stop-gap option, although it remains to be seen how much Rangers will demand for their captain.
Tavernier would certainly add quality to both these teams but could find it hard to establish himself as a regular, especially at Manchester United where he may see playing time restricted to cup games only. Still, he could get a decent number of games at the Emirates if Arsenal are to sign him eventually.